Getman to get out soon

Jeremy Getman, who brought an arsenal of deadly weapons to his Elmira high school to use in a Columbine-style attack in 2001, is set to be released from prison in less than three months.

John Zick

Jeremy Getman, who brought an arsenal of deadly weapons to his Elmira high school to use in a Columbine-style attack in 2001, is set to be released from prison in less than three months.

Getman has served more than six years in state prison for bringing two loaded guns and 18 homemade bombs to Southside High School on Valentine’s Day in 2001.
He was arrested shortly after arriving at school that day by school resource Officer Bob Hurley, who was tipped off by a student of Getman’s intent. That thwarted the attack and no injuries resulted.

“It was very much a surprise to everyone ... that something like that would happen in a little place like Elmira,” said Chemung County Assistant District Attorney John Thweatt, who worked with the office in 2001. “Just being here at the time, it was pretty big news.”
In fact, the incident made national news, coming less than two years after an attack killed 13 people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo.

While no one was injured in the Southside incident, Getman’s crimes were serious enough to warrant an 8.5-year prison sentence. He pleaded guilty to weapons charges and was sentenced Dec. 17, 2001.

His term is scheduled to “max out” in August 2009, but with good behavior and time served in the Chemung County Jail prior to sentencing, the 25-year-old is conditionally set to be released May 23.

Once out of prison, Getman is subject to five years of post-release supervision. Other conditions may also be imposed.

According to the state Department of Corrections, Getman has not lost any good time and has been a model inmate. He has participated in state-sponsored programming and holds a high school diploma.

“It seems like it’s gone awfully quick,” Thweatt said this week.

An official decision on Getman’s status is expected soon, although his release this spring seems imminent.

“He’s basically automatically released (May 23) unless he’s lost good time,” said Public Advocate Richard Rich, who represented Getman.

After Getman was arrested, Southside was evacuated and bomb teams were brought in. Southside students were taken to Elmira Free Academy.

Heather Dean, a senior at Southside in 2001, said the incident remains a blur.
“I don’t really remember much,” said Dean, who now works as a real-estate agent for Coldwell Baker in Horseheads. “We didn’t know what was going on until after the fact.”
Getman told authorities he brought the weapons to school because he was being bullied.

“That didn’t really hold a lot of weight,” Thweatt said. “Many people get picked on and don’t bring guns and pipe bombs to school.”

Getman was found mentally competent following his arrest.

“I think he was just a mixed up kid who needed mental help and didn’t get it,” Dean said. “I hope he has the help he needs.”

Dean, who said she holds no ill will toward Getman, believes his sentence was appropriate.